The World Cup Qatar tournament, a football festival held once every four years, has started.

The Japan national team, which will be participating in the tournament for the 7th time in a row, will face their first match against Germany on the 23rd.

We asked Kazuyoshi Miura, 55-year-old "King Kazu", who broke the JFL's oldest scorer record, to predict the battle of Japan.



NHK will broadcast Japan's first match against Germany from 9:30 pm on the 23rd.

[Click here for details] NHK FIFA World Cup special site

Look at the warm-up games in September

Miura said that he watched both the warm-up games against the United States and Ecuador in September.

He said that he felt the goodness of Japan's condition in this game, which was an important test for the final tournament.

(Miura Tomoyoshi)


“I watched the entire match, and frankly, I thought it was a very good match and it was fun. In both matches, Japan showed its strengths.Especially in the match against the USA, I think we were able to score goals in our ideal form, from defense to attack, and created many chances.As for the match against Ecuador, the opponents did well. The strength of Ecuador was also much stronger than that of the U.S. As a team, Ecuador was stronger, so I think Japan had a hard time, but in the midst of that, coach Moriyasu's ideal defensive form came out very well. I felt like I was in good shape.”

The key person is "Kamata Daichi"

Miura's attention is Daichi Kamata.



We are keeping good condition, such as mass-producing goals in the German first division league.

He says that what stands out is his mental strength.

(Miura Tomoyoshi)


“Right now, Kamata is in great shape and I think he will be a key player in the Japanese national team. Kamata will take on various challenges on the offensive side. He can also assist and is a very capable passer.Watching the game, he is not afraid of the opponent and has confidence in himself.I stand on the pitch with the feeling that ``I am better than you.'' And I think that's a great strength."

Furthermore, when asked about the characteristics of his play, he gave the keyword “slow and slow”.



(Miura Tomoyoshi)


“I think the part where I can adjust the speed is really good. When I go, I go aggressively and aggressively. It's important to have that aspect of soccer, and Kamata showed a high level in the match against the United States."

Pay attention to the rhythm of “Kubo Takefusa”

Another player named by Miura is 21-year-old Takefusa Kubo, the youngest member of the team.



At the World Cup, he will be wearing the uniform number "11", which is synonymous with Miura.

In addition to dribbling freely, Kubo also has excellent passing and shooting skills.

Among them, Miura says that Kubo's rhythm is a characteristic.

(Tomoyoshi Miura)


“These days, soccer players are known for their physical strength and speed, but I feel that Kubo is really a ‘soccer player’. The timing and technique of using teammates to enter the penalty area is like an extension of street soccer. I think he's a player who can bring out what he doesn't have in the offensive part.Even with the way he holds the ball, the rhythm really changes when Kubo-kun holds it, so I think that kind of thing will accentuate and make a difference in the Japanese team. think"

How to fight for the best 8

Japan will play against powerhouses such as Germany and Spain, who have won the championship, in the first round to reach their goal of reaching the quarter-finals.

How can we fight against such a team and reach the top 8, which is our goal?

Miura said that it is important to play in a style that Japan is good at.



(Miura Tomoyoshi)


“I haven't watched Germany or Spain for a long time, so I don't really know what to do. I think Japan is best at scoring goals while moving people and the ball into the penalty area and breaking down opponents. I think that I want you to show that kind of characteristic in the offense part.In terms of defense, I think that linked defense is a feature, so there may be some parts that are inferior in terms of physicality, but I am good at defending together with everyone. If you can put out a solid part, you have a chance, don't you think?"

Cheers to the players of the Japanese national team

He himself experienced the so-called "Doha tragedy" and was dropped out of the squad at the French tournament, and was unable to stand on the stage of the World Cup.



Nevertheless, I encourage the juniors who will inherit the pride and spirit of being a representative of Japan to enjoy their dream stage.



(Miura Tomoyoshi)


“I don’t think there will be many opportunities to play against Germany or Spain in a stage like the World Cup.We will be playing against teams that would otherwise have to make it through the first league from the beginning, so we will show our strengths. Of course, I think there is pressure to be in the top 8 because of the attention, but rather than that pressure, I would like you to enjoy soccer and enjoy the World Cup stage.”